Kenmore Mercy Hospital Pays Tribute to Military at Flag Ceremony

Staff and volunteers at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, a member of Catholic Health, will pause for a moment of silence on Wednesday, June 29 as they pay tribute to veterans and those who currently serve in the armed forces during a special flag ceremony. The hospital will receive an American Flag flown over Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, Afghanistan and dedicated to Kenmore Mercy by a returning marine.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. by the flag pole at the front of the hospital with a prayer for service men and women, the National Anthem sung by Jamie Boswell, a graduating senior at Kenmore East, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Joe McDonald, President & CEO of Catholic Health.

Major Kevin Klostermann, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines will present the hospital with a folded American flag. Klostermann, a physician’s assistant in the hospital’s Emergency Department since 2001, and Marine since 2005, dedicated the flag while serving overseas earlier this year.

“Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines demonstrate their honorable service and adherence to corps values such as honor, courage, and commitment through their selfless dedication to duty,” said Major Klostermann.

The flag represents the honorable service and sacrifice throughout history by service men and women in uniform. It is a constant reminder of all those who have fallen in the line of duty to preserve our freedom back home.

“I chose to dedicate this flag to Kenmore Mercy as a constant reminder of the honorable service that occurs daily in Afghanistan, to those who have fallen or been injured, and to honor the numerous veterans who now work for, serve at, or have been patients at our hospital,” added Major Klostermann.

Countless Kenmore Mercy associates, physicians and volunteers have served in the military over the hospital’s 60-year history. Associates, physicians, volunteers, and active or veteran service personnel are expected to attend the ceremony.